Andrew Gale signs new contract with Yorkshire

Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s Captain Andrew Gale has signed a one-year contract extension that keeps him at the Club until December 2016 with an option of a further year for the top-order batsman.

Gale, 30, made his First-class debut in June 2004 against Somerset at Scarborough and in a career that spans over 10 years, he has played 111 First-class matches scoring over 6000 runs including a career best 272, which he notched up last year against Nottinghamshire at Scarborough.

“I am delighted to sign a contract extension with Yorkshire,” said Gale, who became Yorkshire’s youngest ever professional captain when he was appointed at the age of 26 in December 2009.

“Playing cricket for Yorkshire has never been a job to me, but a passion. I could never see myself playing for anyone else." - Andrew Gale

“Playing cricket for Yorkshire has never been a job to me, but a passion. I could never see myself playing for anyone else. I’m now entering my 12th year as a professional at the Club and my fifth year as captain and although I’m not looking at finishing anytime soon, I want to finish my career at Yorkshire.

“I feel over the last few years the club has made some huge strides forward. We have an excellent structure throughout the club with some great people working very hard behind the scenes. The icing on the cake is to now win some trophies.

“Last year did hurt, not getting over the line and winning the County Championship, but that is in the past now. I’m personally excited by the current squad we have. We have a great mixture of experience and youth, and the work ethic within the squad is next to none. The support staff and players will continue to strive to improve and play the brand of cricket that Yorkshire deserves.”

Yorkshire’s Director of Cricket, Martyn Moxon added:

“It is great news for the Club that Andrew has pledged his future. As a captain, he is growing year-by-year and is highly respected in the dressing room. He leads by example on the field and will always give everything he has for the county. He is the essence of a Yorkshire cricketer and I’m confident that he can lead us to glory over the next few seasons.

“His experience is invaluable for all players in our pursuit of sustained success.”

The former England Lions captain is currently playing the off season in Australia with Victorian Premier League side Dandenong Panthers and was in the runs this weekend scoring 100 in the Panthers victory over Hawthorn-Monash University.